The Woodland Workshop Project
CRANLEIGH LEADS THE WAY WITH ECO-FRIENDLY WORKSHOP
Woodland Studio Destroyed by Fire
Work has begun on a new woodwork studio at the school: a new building which embraces sustainable development and is thought to be the first stand-alone timber-pole building at any school in England. This Woodland Workshop is the brain-child of Designer-in-Residence Stephen Owen, whose concept has been realised by Godalming architects Nye Saunders. When completed it will stand as an example to the next generation of builders and home-owners of the principles of ‘green’ development, with its carbon foot-print kept to an absolute minimum.
This will be achieved by the use of locally-sourced chestnut trees for the poles which form the framework; these will stand on pad foundations which will have minimal impact on the environment. The building will use recycled newspaper as insulation, wood pellets will be used as heating fuel to achieve carbon-neutral emissions and there will be a system to collect rainwater for re-use.
Through this building Cranleigh seeks to lead the way, in the wider community as well as the education world, in the growing debate on sustainable development. The development of the project and the construction of the studio will be recorded by Stephen Owen who is also a professional photographer and a winner in the recent international ‘Ilford Photo Image on a Box’ competition. Check this web-site for regular up-dates and images.